Formtech, with locations in Germany and the UK, specialises in the development of metallic components and composite structures for the motorsports and automotive sectors.
Formtech’s EV started out as a concept for the company's CEO Franz Hilmer.
“I wanted to develop a car that would provide me with a second vehicle that I can use to commute to work, but be stylish and provide the basis to exploit the technologies that Formtech is developing in lightweight materials, high-end precision manufacturing and other technologies.”
Designers Satoshi Nakamura, Tomas Beres and Rafael Gross were given the brief to develop a number of concepts.
“The chosen concept of the E1 came from the idea that a secondary car; where the customer already owns a vehicle, and considering an eco-friendly alternative especially designed for short commute, with the capacity to carry 4 passengers, should be simple and take full advantage of the electric drive train," explains Nakamura.
"The limited top speed and range will create a lighter, more efficient vehicle, perfect for a second car. The design features a short overhang at both ends to create maximum capacity within the given wheelbase dimension. The side surface wraps around to the front and rear end, creating a sense of security and strength to the overall form.“
“The future of EVs will be based around a number of game changing technologies”, says Mark Preston, ex-F1 designer. “I forsee a change in the way EVs are perceived with lightweight carbon composites and vehicle dynamics technology such as torque vectoring driving exciting new areas of customer interest. We created the research study in order to create a platform from which Formtech can develop these new technologies and provide solutions for all areas of EV development.”
The Formtech E1 forms the basis of further development studies by Formtech into the area of EVs.
